Blighty: a Cynic's Guide to Britain

 

Britain: you thought it was all about Cameron, Clegg, Simon, Cheryl and Churchill (the talking dog, not the wartime leader). Turns out there’s a lot more to it than that. Blighty is billed as 'a cynic's guide to Britain'. But it's more silly than sarky. Steve Lowe and Alan McArthur trek across the country (and Gibraltar) in search of quintessentially British experiences – the Last Night of the Proms, a charity polo match, an Eisteddfod. Along the way, they lob in historical factoids, offer comical observations and grab a sound bite from Prince William. Delivered in a breezy tone, it’s not unlike being given a guided tour of Windsor Castle by Harry Hill. But amidst the chirpy bonhomie, the authors let off a few stink bombs. Such as highlighting the SNP's love-in with a "world-famous homophobe", and naming one of Britain's top ten racists as Churchill (the wartime leader, not the talking dog this time). Approaching journey’s end, they reflect on the nature of Britain. Who are the English? When was Wales? Why is Garry Bushell? The first two questions are easy enough. Answering the third may require another volume. [James Carson]